Top U.S. officials are speaking out against Beijing after the high-profile conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, calling for his immediate release.
US Officials Slam China For Jailing Jimmy Lai
On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, noting that “Jimmy Lai has spent over 1,800 days in prison. I echo President Trump’s call for Beijing to conclude this ordeal and release Mr. Lai.”
Former Vice President Mike Pence also weighed in, calling the trial “unjust” and insisting Lai must be freed immediately.
He wrote, “The CCP arrested Jimmy Lai because he stood strong for democracy and freedom of the press against the empty promises the CCP made to Hong Kong. His conviction is an offense to freedom-loving people around the world.”
Pence further urged Trump-era leadership to press China for Lai’s release.
Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton described the conviction as “outrageous,” criticizing Beijing for breaking its “one country, two systems” pledge.
He added, “The lengths the CCP will go to silence dissent are sickening. China has revealed yet again that it cannot be trusted in any significant commitment it may make.”
UK Calls For Jimmy Lai’s Release
U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Lai’s prosecution and called for his immediate release
U.K. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel condemned Lai’s conviction by the Chinese Communist Party, saying the 78-year-old was jailed “for standing up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
She called on the British government to ensure his release, adding, “Free Jimmy Lai.”
Trump Urges Xi To Release Jimmy Lai
On Monday, President Donald Trump said he had asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider releasing Hong Kong media mogul Lai after his conviction on national security charges, reported The Guardian.
He expressed sadness over the verdict, noting that Lai, founder of the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, was “He’s an older man, and he’s not well. So I did put that request out. We’ll see what happens.”
Trump raised the issue with Xi during their October meeting in South Korea and emphasized his concern for Lai’s well-being.
His remarks came as international rights groups and governments condemned the conviction, viewing it as part of China’s broader crackdown on press freedom and democratic activism in Hong Kong.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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